This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Published on October 1, 2019, a devastating fire swept through the Aberdare rain-forest in Nyandarua, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The fire, which started on Sunday evening at the Kinangop peak, quickly spread to other areas due to strong winds, destroying more than 70 hectares of vegetation.
According to Mt. Kenya Kenya Wildlife Service boss Bajila Kofa, the fire has been challenging to contain, particularly due to the strong winds.
"We have since deployed our officers who are accompanied by other residents, but it has been made difficult for us to put it off especially due to the winds. Most of the land that has been destroyed is that where there are bamboo trees," said Kofa.
He noted that the fire season was on and all residents should be careful while carrying out their duties near the forest, particularly during the honey harvesting season.
"This is the honey harvesting season and we should not take anything lightly. We have to be curious while operating in areas near forest land," he said.
Kofa also cautioned poachers against carrying out activities in the forest, warning that they would not be tolerated.
"They take the advantage and carry out poaching activities while we are busy putting out the fire. I want to warn them that we will not allow this to happen," he said.
